Dr. Edward Deckard

Dr. Edward Deckard, 77, entered into rest October 21, 2011 in Fort Smith, AR. He was born May 17, 1934 in Lyons, Indiana to Charles and Gladys Cramer Deckard. He was received his B.M.E. and M.M.E. from Indiana State University and his D.M.A. from The University of Missouri Kansas City.

He was a musician in the U.S. Army, and he taught choral music in Whiting, Indiana, and in Kansas City Missouri, and he retired from the University of Louisiana in Monroe in 1996. He later was a tax professional for H & R Block in Monroe, LA and Fort Smith, AR.

He was a member of Louisiana Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, American Recorder Society, and the National Association of Teachers of Singing. He served these organizations in various local, regional, and national capacities.

He enjoyed gardening, genealogy, and hearing from former students. He was one of the founders of the Monroe Recorder Consort, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family.

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He is survived by his wife of 44 years; Mary Pohl Deckard, 2 daughters; Amy Davis and her husband Kevin of Fort Worth, TX, and Sarah Carrier and her husband Sean of Fort Smith; 1 sister; Geneva Hamilton of Lyons, Indiana, 4 grandchildren; Patrick and Olivia Davis, Timothy and Molly Carrier, and a much anticipated 5th grandchild expected in 2012. He is also survived by 1 nephew; Bill Hamilton of Lyons, Indiana and many former students whose lives he enriched.

Funeral Mass will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, October 24, 2011, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Fort Smith National Cemetery, all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Davis, John Smith, Greg Oden, and Sean Carrier.

Honorary Pallbearer will be Patrick Davis

Visitation will be Sunday, October, 23, 2011, from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Edwards Funeral Home.

Customary Remembrances may be sent to the charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com